FCTA threatens sanctions over use of facilities by illegal political organisations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed owners of hotels and event centres in Abuja to deal only with the leaderships of political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the current political season.

The administration also warned operators of such facilities against allowing illegal organisations to use their premises for gatherings, saying violators risk losing their property titles.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka.

“For instance, in this political season, owners of event centres and hotels in particular must ensure that they only deal with INEC-recognised leadership of political parties in respect of the use of their facilities,” the statement said.

The FCTA noted that land allocated within the FCT is meant strictly for lawful activities and should not be used for gatherings capable of disrupting peace and security in the nation’s capital.

“Usage of event centres, hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored. This is aimed at ensuring that they are not used by illegal organisations for gatherings capable of disrupting the peace of the nation’s capital,” the statement added.

The administration urged owners of the affected facilities to verify the legality of organisations seeking to rent their venues and maintain proper records of all transactions.

It warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in sanctions, including the revocation of title documents for affected properties.